A bittersweet entry into this fantastic series. Three weddings kick off the book: Maggie and Bo, Grandmere and Lee and Rufus and Sandy. It's New Year's Eve and the perfect time to celebrate. When an arrogant celebrity chef arrives to open a new Cajun restaurant around Valentine's Day in Pelican, Maggie worries about her friend J.J. who owns Junie's Oyster Bar. For good reason, When Phillippe Chanson winds up dead, J.J. is a suspect, but Maggie knows he won't hurt anyone. There are plenty of other suspects among the staff which includes Chanson's former wife, his new girlfriend and an up and coming associate. I was sorry to see this series end. I always enjoyed the Cajun touches and the little bits of Louisiana history.

This is the 7th book in the Cajun Country Mystery series, but the first I’d read, and I didn’t feel like I’d missed much at all, except a great series I now need to read from the beginning.
A new restaurant has some to Pelican, Louisiana. An establishment run by none other than celebrity chef Phillipe Chanson himself. Most of the staff for the new restaurant, including his ex-wife, his current girlfriend, and the author of his “autobiography” are staying at the beautiful Crozat Plantation B&B owned by the intrepid Maggie Crozat-Durand. When Phillipe is killed in a fiery crash, the suspect list is longer than a line for free beer during Mardi Gras. We’ve got restaurant owner JJ, who’s restaurant was shut down after an inspection revealed signs of rodents when there’s never been before, plus there’s Maggie’s own mother who had to be taken to the police station when she discovered that Phillipe had copied her secret recipe for a dish and was not selling it in his restaurant. Plus, there’s the way he treats his staff. He’d promised to hire Luis a lawyer to help with his DACA case, but never did, he wouldn’t promote when he said he would. Like I said, too many suspects to know who right away.
Phillipe’s not the only murder though. When his biographer comes up missing and the only clues are a room that shows signs of a huge fight, and a large pool of blood, Maggie knows she needs to put her investigative skills to use again.
But that’s not all. Maggie’s got a stalker and they’re going to great lengths to scare her. And just when you think they’ve given up, they resurrect themselves, only to let her know just how loony they are, and how long they plan on keeping her afraid.
The author does a great job great job dropping hints to start weeding out suspects. The writing is top notch, I’ve never read a story by this author before, but I can’t wait to dive into her other works. The characters and setting really comes to life, I felt like I could look up from my kindle and see and hear Louisiana. What a great story and I’m so thankful for a chance to read and review.

**I received an ARC of this story from the Publisher and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I believe that sometimes you select a determined type of book according to the needs you have at the moment. A bit as when you are sick you get different prescriptions according to your ailment. For me, certain moods require cosy mysteries, but not anything goes. Ellen Byron's Cajun Country Mystery series has proven a good choice every time I needed a dose of this kind of medicine. Solid, well written and well constructed cosy mysteries.
This last one has proven that the author doesn't fail. I won't go into the plot here, you can't find it anywhere. I'll tell you that in this book you'll find the ingredients you are looking for: the murder(s), the quirkiness, the food, the recipes, the local colour, the strong sense of family and community, the History, the love… And I thank that I didn't find some of the things that bother me in other cosy mysteries: conservatism, sexism, racism, homophobia… I enjoyed it immensely and if you are into this kind of literature, you probably will too. And if you are into the series and you were worried it lost its appeal, I would not fret, it delivers.
The only thing that left me a bittersweet taste is the Epilogue, it makes me think this is the last book of the series. If it really is, I would miss the landscape, but if it is because the author doesn't feel it anymore, all my respect and I will looking forward to the new landscapes she surely will offer us.

Another excellent book in this series with many of the same characters who've become more like friends over the years of reading these books. This is another excellently plotted mystery with great pacing, wonderful characters, and the spirit of the Bayou infused into almost every page.

Maggie and Bo have just gotten married and things are looking good until anew restaurateur decides to open a flagship Cajun restaurant. Although JJ,, Maggie's friend and owner of JJ's Cajun Kitchen isn't worried, the restaurateur manages to make himself hated by most of the locals, then he's murdered. Nobody is terribly upset other than his co-workers, until JJ is considered the main suspect. Maggie needs to see what she can do to help figure this out before JJ's business is destroyed, along with JJ himself.

It's a fun romp in the Bayou, and I highly recommend it for anyone who just wants to have a good time reading a good book. Not too much blood and gore, not too much tension; just the right amount. If you haven't read the other books in the series, you may want to start with the first one and read them in order. While this one is a standalone, the lives of all the characters build from one book to the next and you'll enjoy watching relationships grow and change.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced read copy for this review. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.

Newlyweds Maggie and Bo are enjoying life in Pelican until trouble arrives. Celebrity chef Phillippe is opening a new restaurant in his regional Cajun chain of upscale dining. He is full of charm but his restaurant crew is full of tension and jealousy. Recipe theft and vandalism sour the local businesses towards the newcomers. Sudden death and murder put all of them in the crosshairs of the police investigation. To top it off, Maggie has a stalker.
This story has it all! One of Ellen's best Cajun mysteries yet!

A Cajun Country Mystery #7

Back in Pelican, Louisiana, Maggie and Bo are setting up house after finally getting married. Bo is a detective and Maggie is an artist and also helps her family run the Crozat Plantation B & B. As Valentine’s Day approaches the place is busy with the famous chef, Phillippe Chanson and all of his entourage arrive to open their newest Cajun-themed restaurant. His reputation in New Orleans is a bit sketchy with accusations of recipe stealing and other shady dealings.

He begins making enemies the minute he arrives. Stealing the local chef's recipes, sabotaging the competition. Even Maggie's good friend, JJ is under fire. Someone is planting mouse droppings and getting him shut down. Even Ninette, Maggie’s mother has had a recipe stolen from the chef. Which puts them both in the line of fire when Phillippe is killed.

With everyone busy trying to clear their names, Maggie now has a stalker. Someone has been delivering countdown gifts and it could be anyone. Or a killer.

Besides being a really good series, the food descriptions and recipes seal the deal!

NetGalley/August 10th, 2021 by Crooked Lane Books

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC. Really enjoyed this author's writing and stories. All her characters feel real and not one dimensional. Loved the mystery.

Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron is the 7th instalment in the "A Cajun Country Mystery" series. I really enjoy this series and after reading the epilogue, I am saddened that this is the last book. The author does a great job though of tying up the series. I look forward to what comes next from this fabulous author. The next shot from Cupid's bow may be fatal...

This book can be read as a stand alone but I highly recommend reading in order. I really enjoyed this instalment set during Valentine’s Day and practically read in one sitting.

The characters are well rounded and seem real as I could relate to each of them. I especially loved Maggie's family as they provide humor, quirkiness especially her feisty grand-mère. I especially love how the author includes local food, history, and community in her stories. The town of Pelican Cove, Louisiana sounds like a great place to visit too! I need to go to Junie’s for some Cajun cooking.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and there are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy loving friends.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Another enjoyable cozy from Ellen Byron. A new restaurant is opening in Pelican Bay. It should be fine, plenty of people to keep all the establishments operating. That is until the owner/chef of the newest restaurant shows his true colors. When he turns up dead, Maggie is thrown into trying to find the murderer. She wants to protect not only her mother, but her friend JJ.

Again, the is a nice little escape. I like reading about locations that are so different from my dry, desert climate. Pelican Bay sounds like a charming community with lots of different personalities. I love a good cozy. I enjoy the characters and the mystery kept me guessing.

The good times are rolling in Pelican, Louisiana! After a triple wedding (Maggie and Bo, Gran and Lee, Rufus and Sandy) things start hopping even more than usual in the bayou when a famous chef moves in right across from Junie's and tries to put JJ out of business, someone absconds with all of Doucet Plantation's money, the local bridge becomes damaged forcing everyone to ferry back and forth across the Mighty Mississippi, and not one but two people are murdered! Written in cozy author Ellen Byron's usual fast-paced style, Cajun Kiss of Death is a perfect addition to the Cajun Country Mystery series! A+++ and 5 stars!

This was such a nail biter of a page turner. I loved the book. The plot was very well written and I cannot wait for another book. This was from a new to me and great author. I really enjoyed the book. Will definitely recommend this book.

A cozy mystery filled with good food, good art, good history and good characters to keep you entertained for hours! Add in a bit of Cajun flair since the book is set in a small town outside of New Orleans and you have the makings of a good time! The author brings to life authentic characters that feel so real you expect to look up and see them in the room with you and woven amongst the characters are not only the details of daily life, but a few intriguing events as well. In this book you have a stalker, an embezzlement and of course a murder all wrapped around Valentines Day! The perfect layering of plots to keep the book pages turning with excitement and entertainment! While you don't necessarily have to read the entire series to enjoy this book, you will miss out on a lot of entertainment and backstory that leads to this book so I do recommend the entire series!

Every time I read a Cajun Country Mystery book, I feel as though I've taken a trip back home. Not only is this author's description of the area accurate, but she has also captured the essence of the area and its people. Her characters are very realistic. Her story lines are interesting and unique with clues leading to a variety of perpetrators, but not giving away the actual guilty person until the end of the book. This latest book does not disappoint.

Once again, a terrifically told tale of mystery, murder, and mayhem from Pelican, LA and specifically the Crozat Plantation B&B. This gracious B&B is the family plantation of Maggie Crozat-Durand, who's newly minted marriage to Bo Durand is a happy way to start the book. 3 Generations of Crozat families live on the property, and they are gracious and charming individuals. This book is no exception to showing their kindness and willingness to step in and help those who need this help.

The characters exude trust, and are always willing to step up and pitch in, even when a new restaurant comes to Pelican and business relations become strained. The author includes a generous cast of friends that are stable in Maggie's life. They are described so well that they practically come to life in these books. The countryside in the book is also treated to this level of detail, and one can vividly picture the magnificent Mississippi River on the many ferry rides Maggie takes. For those of us who have been fortunate enough to visit the areas described, it is like a video replay in our minds.

Fortunately, the deaths and mayhem are not inherent in memories of travels to this area! However, there are plentiful details shared to keep readers informed without being grisly. Also plenty of clues make it hard to decide what is really a red herring! I was pleasantly wrong about who I thought was responsible for either of the mysteries!

Lastly, while sad to read the epilog and knowing the series was over, I loved the wrap-up and promise for the future of this seemingly real location and people. Thanks to the author for sharing that with us and providing a satisfying end to a wonderful series.

Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read this wonderful book and share my opinions above.

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

Chere this was amazing. The gang is back. There are a few mysteries in this installment. Some of your favorites are here as well as some new faces. There is murder, mayhem and deliciousness too. Ms. Byron has outdone herself. It is a standalone in the series but you will want to pick up the other books and read them. I hope this isn't the last we hear from Pelican, Louisiana.

Je t'aime toujours!

Cajun Kiss of Death by Ellen Byron (Cajun Country Mystery #7) 5 stars

Valentine's Day is usually a joyous holiday in Pelican, Louisiana. But the joy is stifled when celebrity chef, Phillippe Chanson come to town to open up a Cajun-themed restaurant. His jovial demeanor hides a ruthless streak that has no compunction on crushing the competition and stealing recipes from other chefs. When Chef Chanson dies in a fiery boat crash, there are many suspects including Maggie Crozat's mother, Ninette, Chef Chanson stole Ninettte's recipe for Calas - fried rice fritters dessert. The other suspects include owners of several local restaurants and a seafood vendor. In order to remove her mother from the suspect list, Maggie has to figure out who sent Chef Chanson to his funeral pyre.

Agatha Award winner, Ellen Byron is at the top of her game with "Cajun Kiss of Death". Maggie has her hands full in this book. Being a newlywed and new stepmom would have been a full plate under ordinary circumstances. But with the death of Chef Chanson and a suspect list as long as her arm, she has to find her way through the process of elimination to find the killer. This series has been a joy to read since "Plantation Shudders". The characters are key to this series and Maggie and her family are the best. After reading the epilogue, I am excited and sad at the same time. I can't wait for the next book from Ms. Byron. As they say in the Big Easy - Laissez le bon temps rouler.

P.S. Ms Byron is also the current recipient of the 2021 Lefty for Best Humorous Novel for "Murder in the Bayou Boneyard"

Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to review this beautiful cozy mystery by Ellen Byron.

Maggie Crozat, the protagonist, is back with her loyal family and friends. Her parents run a Bed and Breakfast Inn located in Pelican, Louisiana. We see the city of New Orleans make brief appearances in Cajun Kiss of Death.

Maggie's friend JJ owns Junie's, a favorite hangout for the locals including Maggie and her ensemble. However, it looks like Junie's is facing competition from a newcomer, Phillippe Chasson, who owns a restaurant in New Orleans and is about to open a restaurant in Pelican.

There are many people who do not like Chasson for many reasons, including the fact that he steals other chefs' recipes. Though you cannot copyright recipes, it is still not respectful to steal other people's recipes.

There are several murder victims in this novel, including Chasson. There are plenty of suspects, including the ex wife, the girlfriend,, the employees and other chefs.

Meanwhile, Maggie is being stalked by a "secret admirer". And the treasurer had absconded with the Doucet funds. The employees of the Doucet tourist attraction depended on these funds for their paychecks.

With so many things going on in Maggie's life, there is also Valentine's Day coming up!

Loved how there was closure at the end, including the discovery of who the stalker and who the killers were.

This is book 7 in the Cajun Country Mysteries. I love this series! The series is fun, definitely humorous and there's always a murder! They are so descriptive and I can hear the Cajun accents in my head and feel the Louisiana heat. I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

7th book in this mystery series

In Pelican Louisiana, it’s Valentine’s Day and at the Crozat Plantation B&B things aren’t turning up roses because of celebrity chef Philippe Chanson. The chef is in town to open up his newest Cajun themed restaurant until he ends up dead in a fiery boat crash. The suspects run from Maggie’s friend JJ to her mother and a local seafood vendor.

They all have reason to want the chef dead. Instead of art lessons in New Orleans a present from Bo, she has to find the killer before her friend and mother are taken off the menu.
Maggie is also receiving anonymous gifts that seem charmed but turn disturbing. Does Maggie have an admired or a stalker?

Solving this mystery will determine if it’s roses for or lilies for Valentine’s Day for Maggie.


I love visiting Maggie at her B&B. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.

Someone's in the kitchen and maybe he or she is a killer!
This is book 7 in the Cajun Country Mysteries but my first read of the series. The story is well written and stood alone without having read the previous books.(which I will be binge reading)
This book finds the residents of Pelican, Louisiana and their eateries shaken up by the opening of a new Cajun themed restaurant headed by celebrity chef Phillippe Chanson who immediately stirs the pot and becomes the guy you love to hate, until his untimely demise. This plot has more suspects and twists than you can shake a spoon at! Who did it & why, will our sleuth solve the murder and find the killer in time or will she have a very deadly Valentine's Day?